Access Dallas County Dissolution of Marriage

Dallas County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Selma. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles all divorce cases for this county.

Dallas County Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk in Dallas County manages all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new divorce filings, maintains case files, and provides copies of decrees. The clerk office is at 105 Lauderdale Street in Selma.

Dallas County has its own judicial circuit. The 4th Circuit covers only Dallas County, so the circuit judge focuses entirely on cases here. This means the court can give full attention to local matters. The courthouse in Selma has multiple departments but the Circuit Clerk handles all divorce records.

Selma is the county seat and the largest city in Dallas County. Most residents come to the Selma courthouse for their divorce filings. The clerk staff can help you understand what forms you need and how to file them properly.

Remember that the Probate Office and Circuit Clerk are different. Marriage licenses go through Probate. Divorce records are at the Circuit Clerk. Both offices are at the courthouse. Go to the Circuit Clerk for any dissolution of marriage matter in Dallas County.

How to Search Dallas County Dissolution of Marriage Records

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Dallas County online or in person. Online searches work well for finding basic case information quickly. Visiting the courthouse lets you view full case files and get certified copies on the spot.

Alacourt is Alabama's statewide court records database. It includes all 67 counties, including Dallas County. You search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Additional cases cost $9.99 each. Document images are $5.00 for up to 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Dallas County dissolution of marriage records.

To search for a divorce record, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Approximate year the case was filed or finalized
• Case number if available

You can also visit the clerk office in person at the Selma courthouse. Staff can search for records and make copies while you wait. Bring a valid ID. They can look up cases by name or number. Older records may take longer to locate since some are archived. Call (334) 874-2521 ahead of time to ask what documents to bring.

Dallas County has records going back many decades. Recent records are in the computer system. Older cases may be in paper files or microfilm. The clerk staff knows how to find records from any time period.

Dallas County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Dallas County charges fees for filing divorce cases and getting copies of records. Fees can change over time. Call the clerk to verify current rates before filing.

Common fees in Dallas County include:

• Filing a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
• Filing to modify or enforce a decree: $248+
• Certified copies: varies by page count
• Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page

If you have low income, you may request a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You need to show proof of your income and expenses. The judge reviews your request and decides whether to waive the fees. Copy fees may still apply even with a waiver.

The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Additional copies cost $6 each. This is separate from court fees. The health department certificate shows basic facts only. For the complete decree with all terms, you need copies from the Dallas County Circuit Clerk.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Dallas County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Dallas County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that become part of your permanent case file at the courthouse.

First, check the residency requirement. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse currently lives. If you live in Dallas County, you file here.

Go to the Circuit Clerk office to file your complaint. Pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the Dallas County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service goes in your file.

Alabama law has a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot finalize the divorce until 30 days after filing. This waiting period gives both parties time to respond. After 30 days, the 4th Circuit judge can sign the final decree.

Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms may not need a court hearing. The judge can approve the case based on paperwork. Contested cases with disputes will require hearings.

What Dallas County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain

Dissolution of marriage records in Dallas County include several types of documents. The case file grows as the divorce moves through the system.

The complaint is the first document filed. It names both spouses and states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten legal grounds including no-fault options like incompatibility.

The final divorce decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It contains all the terms both parties must follow.

A dissolution of marriage record typically includes:

• Names and addresses of both spouses
• Date and place of marriage
• Date of separation
• Grounds for divorce
• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support amounts
• Alimony if ordered

Dallas County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. Some details about children or sensitive financial matters may be redacted in public copies.

Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Dallas County

Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Dallas County. Free and low-cost legal assistance is available for those who qualify.

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to people with low income. They serve Dallas County residents. Call (866) 456-4995 to find out if you qualify. Spanish speakers can use (888) 835-3505.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first consultation costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They can connect you with a family law attorney in the Selma area who handles divorces.

Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need. You can fill them out online and print them. The site has forms for different types of divorces.

Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org offers step-by-step guides for people handling their own divorce without a lawyer. The site explains the process for dissolution of marriage in Dallas County.

Divorce Certificates in Dallas County

The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. It shows only basic facts: names, date, and county of the divorce.

The health department has certificates for divorces from 1950 to present. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies are $6 each. VitalChek adds a service fee.

For the full divorce decree with property division, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Dallas County. Most legal and financial matters require the actual decree, not just a certificate.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Dallas County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.